Climate Change and Bridge Safety: 30 Ways They Are Linked
Written on
Overview of Climate Change Impacts on Bridges
Bridges play a crucial role in our infrastructure and are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Concerns surrounding this issue are not limited to scientists; everyday individuals are also becoming more aware. A poignant example is Wynn Bruce, who set himself on fire on Earth Day 2022 to highlight the climate emergency. This urgency is well-founded, as climate change has extensive implications for both mental and physical well-being.
One critical area impacted by climate change is the safety of bridges. The risk of bridge failures poses serious threats to individuals crossing them and can disrupt essential transportation routes for goods and services. Below are the key ways in which climate change compromises bridge safety:
1. Durability Risks
Climate change heightens durability risks, leading to faster degradation of bridge materials:
- Accelerated Substructure Degradation: Factors such as rising temperatures, fluctuating humidity, increased ocean carbon levels, and altered soil salinity can undermine bridge foundations. For instance, when water levels drop, parts of the bridge's pillars may be exposed to air, facilitating their biodegradation. Conversely, elevated water levels can lead to corrosion of unprotected bridge components from splash water.
- Accelerated Superstructure Degradation: Higher temperatures and increased precipitation can accelerate the deterioration of the visible parts of bridges. For example, metals and concrete may corrode, and timber can suffer from increased microbial activity.
2. Serviceability Risks
Climate change also threatens the serviceability of bridges, affecting their usefulness and reliability:
- Heat-Induced Damage: More frequent heatwaves can cause deformation of pavements and railways, leading to cracks and potential accidents.
- Long-Term Deformations: Higher temperatures and humidity levels can induce slow but significant changes in concrete and timber structures, affecting their load-bearing capacity and posing a risk of sudden failure.
3. Geotechnical Risks
Geotechnical risks are amplified by climate change, impacting the ground on which bridges are built:
- Increased Scour Rates: Melting permafrost and rising sea levels can lead to erosion around bridge foundations.
- Slope Failures and Landslides: Intense rainfall and the loss of vegetation can destabilize slopes, increasing the likelihood of landslides that may compromise bridge stability.
- Rock Falls and Debris Flows: Similar to landslides, melting permafrost can destabilize rock formations and increase debris flows, which can damage bridges.
4. Increased Demand Risks
The demands placed on bridges are rising due to climate change, exposing them to more extreme forces:
- Wind-Induced Loads: Expected increases in wind strength can cause bridges to sway, twist, or even collapse, as seen in the Tacoma Narrows Bridge incident.
- Wave Impacts: Higher waves can exert significant pressure on bridge piers and abutments, risking structural damage.
5. Accidental Load Risks
Climate change raises the likelihood of accidents that can damage bridges:
- Water Vessel Collisions: Increased cloud moisture can lead to denser fog, making navigation more hazardous and increasing the risk of ships colliding with bridges.
- Vehicle Accidents: Slippery roads due to rain and snow can lead to more vehicle collisions with bridge piers.
6. Extreme Natural Events Risks
The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are expected to rise, posing additional threats to bridges:
- Severe Storms: The likelihood of hurricanes and cyclones is increasing, which can cause significant structural damage.
- Flood Risks: Flooding events are anticipated to become more frequent, with the potential to devastate bridge infrastructure.
7. Operational Risks
Lastly, climate change introduces operational challenges that could strain resources:
- Increased Snow Removal Costs: Areas facing heavier snowfall will require more resources for snow removal from bridges.
- Power Supply Issues: Renewable energy sources may become less reliable, potentially disrupting bridge operations.
Conclusion
Climate change presents a multifaceted threat to bridge safety, increasing risks related to durability, serviceability, geotechnical stability, and operational demands. Understanding these interconnected risks is crucial for preserving bridge integrity.
Call to Action
Here are some practical steps we can take to mitigate climate change:
- Opt for train travel instead of flying.
- Use carpooling services.
- Choose public transportation over personal vehicles.
- Cycle or work from home when possible.
Do you have additional suggestions? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments to inspire collective action.
References
This article is informed by the research conducted by Nasr et al. (2021) in their review of climate change impacts on bridge safety.